NSB-98-161
August 12, 1998
revised

COMMITTEE ON PROGRAMS AND PLANS
TASK FORCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

n March 19, 1998, the National Science Board approved a resolution (NSB-98-65) noting the need for expanded environmental research, education, and assessment. The resolution stated that NSF has a legitimate role in these activities, and that this role could be exercised most constructively in the context of a strategy coordinated by the White House agencies and the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC).

The Task Force on the Environment was established to assist the Foundation in defining the scope of its role with respect to environmental research, education, and assessment, and in determining the best means of implementing activities related to this area. The task force reported to the Committee on Programs and Plans (CPP) and consisted of Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Chair, Dr. Mary K. Gaillard, Dr. Robert Solow, and Dr. Warren Washington, and included Dr. Mary Clutter, Assistant Director for Biological Sciences and Dr. Robert Corell, Assistant Director for Geosciences. Dr. John Hopcroft, NSB consultant, served as a consultant to the task force.

The Task Force:

	Reviewed the scope of current NSF activities related to research, education, and assessment on the environment;
	Developed guidance for the National Science Foundation at the policy level to be used for designing an appropriate portfolio of activities, consistent with the overall NSTC strategy, the goals of the NSF Strategic Plan, and activities of other agencies and organizations that support related programs; and
	Completed a report, NSB 00-22, approved by the Board in February 2000.